Automatic scaffolding for laying brick

ABSTRACT

Automatic scaffolding for laying brick comprising a ground supported main framework of generally rectangular configuration within which there is supported an elevator journaled for vertical movement therewithin. A work platform supported externally of the main framework is vertically movable relative thereto so that a workman standing on the platform can be delivered bricks and the like by the elevator. An interlock means enables the elevator to vertically reposition the work platform so that the platform can be positioned anywhere along the limits of its vertical displacement. Mounted to the work platform supporting structure is a conveyor means which delivers brick to the workman. An automatic mortar spreader is also mounted to the supporting structure and includes means by which it is adjustably positioned relative to the work platform so that the mortar can be spread on the brick ahead of the conveyor means. Supportingly attached to the main framework is indexed relationship to the work platform is a plumb line which is maintained horizontally disposed relative to a wall being built by the person standing on the platform.

United States Patent [191 Iglehart et al.

[ Mar. 18, 1975 AUTOMATIC SCAFFOLDING FOR vLAYING BRICK I [75] Inventors: Hilary H. lglehart; Richard C.

Lassiter, both of Odessa, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Trojan Automatic Scaffold, lnc.,

Odessa, Tex.

[22] Filed: June 26, 1973 [2]] Appl. No.: 373,645

[52] US. Cl. 52/749, 52/749 [51] Int. Cl. E04g 21/00 [58] Field of Search 52/749, 747

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,382,640 5/l968 Thomas et al. 52/749 3,438,171 4/1969 Demarest 52/749 Primary ExanzinerFrank L. Abbott Assistant Examiner-Carl D. Friedman Attorney, Agent, or FirmMarcus L. Bates [57] ABSTRACT Automatic scaffolding for laying brick comprising a ground supported main framework of generally rectangular configuration within which there is supported an elevator journaled for vertical movement therewithin. 1

A work platform supported externally of the main framework is vertically movable relative thereto so that a workman standing on the platform can be delivered bricks and the like by the elevator.

An interlock means enables the elevator to vertically reposition the work platform so that the platform can be positioned anywhere along the limits of its vertical displacement.

Mounted to the work platform supporting structure is a conveyor means which delivers brick to the workman. An automatic mortar spreader is also mounted to the supporting structure and includes means by which it is adjustably positioned relative to the work platform so that the mortar can be spread on the brick ahead of the conveyor means.

Supportingly attached to the main framework is indexed relationship to the work platform is a plumb line which is maintained horizontally disposed relative to a wall being built by the person standing on the platform.

9 Claims 11 Drawing Figures PATENTED HAR I 8 I575 SHLET 1 OF 6 FIG! BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Automatic scaffolding for use in laying brick and for carrying out various other functions associated with the building construction trades is known to those skilled in the art as evidenced by the patents to It will be noted, however, that the prior art patents fail to provide a suitable means by which a workman can safely be disposed externally of the main framework while working on the wall of a building disposed adjacent to the workman, while at the same time being continually delivered material from a convenient elevation from within the framework.

It is known to provide complex apparatus in an attempt to eliminate a Brick Mason in the art of building brick walls. The building of a brick wall requires 21 peculiar type artesian which can never be duplicated in its entirety by any mechanical apparatus because of the untold number of variables involved in masonry work. There are, however, many laborious and time consuming tasks which can be provided in a semiautomatic manner to thereby greatly expedite the Masons work. Most particularly, it is possible to automatically spread mortar in advance of a row of brick being laid by a Brick Mason. It is also possible to progressively and conveniently deliver the individual brick into close proximity of the area where the next brick must be placed in a row upon the wet mortar. It is furthermore possible to provide the Mason with a convenient, safe, and comfortable work area adjacent to a specific portion of a brick wall under construction. It is not possible, however, to entirely substitute mechanical apparatus for the highly skilled manipulative actions of the Mason, nor is it possible to properly place the individ- .ual brick relative to the remainder of the wall being built by a mechanical apparatus for the reason that maintenance and supervision of automatic brick laying machines usually require far more expense than employment of Masons for attaining the same goal.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have made available automatic scaffolding for delivering materials to and from an elevated wall structure. It is also desirable to provide the autotmatic scaffolding with various appara tus which expedites the building of a brick or block wall. Moreover, it is desirable to provide automatic scaffolding of the foregoing nature which is rugged in design, safe and simple in operation, and which can be dismantled and transported to another site in a practical and simplified manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention relates to apparatus for use in the building trade and specifically to automatic scaffolding for transporting brick to an elevated position relative to a brick wall, comprising, a ground supported main framework arranged to move parallel to the wall under construction, and an elevator means supported for vertical movement within the main framework.

A work platform is supported for vertical movement externally of the main framework and includes means associated with the elevator means .so that the work platform can be selectively moved vertically by the elevator.

A mortar spreader of special design is adjustably affixed to structure associated with the work platform. A special conveyor is adjustably disposed relative to the work'plaltform and delivers brick into close proximity of a specific working area. A guide means associated with the wall being built and with the work platform enables a Mason working on the platform to have an accurate and constant refrence line for proper placement of each row of. brick upon the wall.

A primary object of the present invention is the provision of improvements in automatic scaffolding for use in building construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide automatic scaffolding which includes an elevator means and a work platform arranged in a manner whereby the elevator means engages the work platform when it is desired to relocate the platform relative to the main framework.

A further object of this invention is to disclose and provide improvements in apparatus and method for laying a brick wall wherein a layer of mortar is auto-.

matically spread in advance of a row of brick being laid by a Mason, while the brick are individually delivered into close proximity of the Masons hands.

A still further object of this invention is to provide improvements in a new combination of elements which greatly facilitates the building of a brick wall by elimination of many time-consuming manipulations heretofore required of the Mason.

Another and still further object of this invention is the provision of improvements in automatic scaffolding for laying brick wherein a work platform has adjustably associated therewith an elelvator means, a mortar spreader, and a brick conveyor means, with the elevator menas and platform being arranged so that the elevator can be used to selectively reposition the platform.

An additional object of the instant invention is the provision of improvements of guide means by which a row of brick can be properly aligned relative to a brick wall.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and claims and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

The above objects are attained in accordance with the present invention by the provision of an improved method of building a brick wall when using apparatus fabricated in a manner substantially as described in the above abstract and summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS sectional front view of part of the apparatus disclosed in the foregoing figures;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, broken, part cross-sectional view taken along-line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevationalend view of part of the apparatus disclosed in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, broken, front elevational view of part of the apparatus disclosed in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detailed presentation of part of the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a part schematical, part diagrammatical electrical and hydraulic flow circuitry which can be used in conjunction with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, end view of a guide means associated with the platform of the present invention, and disclosing a brick wall being constructed in accordance with the present invention; and,

FIG. 11 sets forth a modification of the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The automatic scaffolding 10 of the present invention is comprised of a main rectangular framework supported from structure 12, such as the ground, by a rail structure 14 having spaced rails 16 associated therewith in the usual manner. Spaced wheels 18 are positioned in underlying relationship to the main structure with drive axle 20 being journaled from a lateral load carrying member 22.

Chain driven sprocket 23 is connected to a drive sprocket affixed to a hyraulic motor 24, with the motor receiving a controlled supply of hydraulic fluid from prime mover 26. Reservoir 28 overlies the motor and pump. The ladder 30 forms part of the vertical support structure which terminates at upper cross member 31. Spaced vertical support members 32 define the corners of the apparatus.

Spaced vertical elevator support beams 34, 35 are each connected to the main framework and have telescoping means therein for lifting the spaced cantilever arms 36, which in turn are connected for lifting an elevator 38. A stack of bricks 40, supported upon the elevator, are individually transferred at by conveyor means 42.

A vertically adjustable carrier means 44 is jouraled in captured relationship at 46 for vertical slidable movement along spaced support beams 32. Work platform 48 longitudinally extends between the spaced vertical supports 32 and is pivotally secured to the carrier by means of arm 49 and pivot pin 50.

Longitudinally extending support beam 51 is affixed to the spaced journals 46 and, as seen in FIG. 2, forms a main load carrying member from which the before mentioned arms 49 and carrier 44 are supported. Numeral 52 indicates a similar longitudinally extending beam spaced from beam 51 and which carries the rearwardly spaced carriers 44. Hence, as seen in FIG. 3, vertical support members 32 slidably supports carriers 46 which in turn supports spaced members 51, each of which lend support to the four spaced carriers 44.

Each carrier include a perforated hollow stanchion within each of which there is telescopingly and slidably received one of the four spaced members, 53, 53 with each of the telescoping members 53 receiving apertures which may be brought into registry with apertures formed in the outer sleeve member. Cross members 54, 54 are affixed to members 53 and form a support for a mortar hopper as will be explained in greater detail later on. Jack screws 55 are hournaled to member 44 by the illustrated pad and are rotated by hydraulically actuated motors 56 to thereby effect vertical movement between members 44 and 54.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 6, the hopper as sembly 57 is supported at 58 and 60, respectively, by the illustrated rollers 59 and 61, respectively. Rail 62, affixed to the hopper, is guidably received in low friction captured relationship by the spaced fore and aft rollers 63 and 64. The hopper body 66 converges in a downward direction and terminates in the form of a screw conveyor 68 having mortar spreader 69 arranged to form the outlet therefrom. The mortar spreader places the illustrated continuous thin layer of mortar upon the uppermost layer of bricks as seen illustrated by arrow at numeral 70 in FIG. 1. As seen in FIG. 6, the conveyor is chain driven at 71 by a hydraulically actuated motor located at 72.

As seen in FIG. 8, in conjunction with some of the other figures, the brick advancing apparatus 73 is arranged to de-energize the conveyor 42 whenever a brick 40' advances into proximity of the end of the conveyor. As seen illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and 7, the conveyor is suitably supported by the spaced legs 75, 75' having upper and lower spaced sets of rollers 76, 76', 77 and 77 which capture the illustrated longitudinally extending spaced conveyor rail members therebetween to enable the longitudinally extending conveyor to be adjusted laterally respective to a brick wall 70. Hydraulic motor 79 drives the illustrated gear reduction box and conveyor drive sprockets so that the spaced longitudinally extending chains 80, 81 can be advanced carrying the bricks or blocks at a regulated speed therewith.

Cross-beams 86, 86' underlie the elevator and tie the longitudinally extending sides of the main framework together so as to rigify the entire apparatus.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, together with some of the remaining figures, the elevator support beams 34 are in the form of vertical telescoping members which slidably receive .similarly contoured members 88 therewithin so as to guidably capture a roller assembly 90 for vertical movement therewithin. Each roller assembly includes spaced guide rollers 91. The fixed end portion of the cantilever arm 36 carries the spaced rollers at the marginal end portion thereof. Bracket 92 transfers the load from arm 36 into chain link pin 93 so that the load of the platform is transferred into sprocket 94 which in turn is attached to spaced ears 95, with the ears being welded to movable member 96. Bracket 97 is bolted to transverse fixed member 98 which in turn is welded to each of the fixed vertical members 34 and 35. Hydraulic cylinder 99 has the base 100 thereof tied into the main framework at one end of the cross-beam 86, 86. This piston 102 is connected to a clevis 103 so that it can force the sprockets 94 in an upward direction to thereby raise the cantilever arm 36, carrying therewith the elevator platform.

As seen in FIG. 1-3, 7, and 8, switch arm 104 abuttingly engages stop member 105, when engaged by a brick 40 thereby opening the circuit formed by electrical conduits 106 by moving the illustrated spring loaded switch assembly of FIG. 8.

As seen illustrated in FIG. 9, electrical conduit 106 is connected to L1, L2 and to a series of switches so that solenoid actuated valve 107 controls hydraulic flow through motor 79. Manifold 108 receives a supply of hydraulic pressure from the illustrated pump and is flow connected to the various illustrated flow conduits. Solenoid actuated valve 109 controls the flow of fluid to motor 56, when suitably connected into the circuitry. By-pass valve 110 prevents the pump from becoming overloaded under certain standby conditions of usage. Solenoid actuated valves 111, 112 respectively, control the flow of fluid to motors 24 and 72 respectively, when properly connected into the control circuitry.

Looking now to the details of FIG. 1, there is seen illustrated therein spaced parallel rows of spaced guide support pins embedded into the mortar joints of the brick wall. The guide pins have a downturned abutment which abuttingly engages the outer surface of the brick wall so that the upturned portion of each spaced guide pin are equally spaced from the wall. Rail 114 longitudinally extends across the entire length of the wall and can be removably placed in a supporting relationship respective of the various parallel rows of guide pins. Wheel 115 makes rolling contact with the rail and positions reciprocating member 116 located within housing 117 in close-fitting tolerance with respect to the wall. Members 118, located at each end of the scaffolding, have the illustrated eyelets formed therein through which the illustrated guide string is drove from the illustrated spool. Strut 118 is affixed to housing 117 so that a guide assembly placed at each of the spaced vertical members 44. The guides are positioned so that the string thereof is precisely aligned relative to the next row of bricks to be placed upon the wall.

On the embodiment of FIG. 11, the outer sleeve 219 is affixed at spaced locations to the longitudinal extending vertically traveling carrier member 51, while member 220 is affixed to the end of member 22 and is reciprocatingly received within the sleeve. Member 217 moves with member 218 and carries the outwardly biased string guide 118. Member 217 is positioned horizontally from the wall by wheel 215 which makes rolling contact with the wall 70. Wheel 115 engages the rail which is supported by the guide pins in the illustrated manner of FIG. 10.

OPERATION In operation, it is preferred to utilize a steel track laid down upon a ground supporting surface in the illustrated manner of FIG. 1 so that the automatic scaffolding apparatus precisely travels along a path parallel to the wall 70 to be built. The first several rows of brick are laid in a conventional manner with the guide rods 113 occasionally being placed within a few of the mortar joints. Rail 113 is placed within the guide rods and the guide string tauntly placed between the horizontally spaced apart eyelets 118 to provide for the next row of bricks to be laid in accordance with the invention.

Hopper 57 is filled with mortar and a supply of bricks is placed on the elevator by the use of a fork-lift or the like. The elevator is raised to position the load 40 relative to the conveyor so that a person can continuously load the conveyor with bricks in the illustrated manner of FIG. 1.

As the scaffolding apparatus moves down the track at a regulated speed, the rate at which the continuous film of mortar is laid down upon the upper layer of brick is adjusted proportional to the rate of speed of the scaffolding. A Brick Mason standing or sitting in a supported position upon the platform picks up the nearest brick adjacent to him and places the brick in aligned ralationship upon the wall using string 118 as the guide means. The surplus mortar exiting from between the edges of the bricks is scraped off with a spatula or trial and placed within the remaining open joint between adjacent bricks.

The rate at which the bricks are conveyed to the Mason is regulated by means of the hydraulic motor 79,

and should the Mason fall behind in his work, the switch 104 will .be actuated thereby stopping the conveyor.

When it becomes necessary to raise the platform, the elevator is raised so that the forward free longitudinally extending marginal edge portion thereof can engage the rear longitudinally extending marginal edge portion of the carrier at 52, whereupon the oppose pins removably positioned in the apertures 32' are removed, and the elevator further raised, thereby repositioning the carrier at its desired elevation. The pin is repositioned in the desired apertures which consequently locks the carrier respective of its vertical support members.

Those skilled in the art, having studied the foregoing disclosure, will appreciate that the conveyor can be positioned laterally respective of the wall by manually forcing the conveyor to move upon the rollers 76, 77.

The hopper can be positioned longitudinally along the wall by manually forcing the hopper to move on the rollers 59, 61 into its most desirable location. Rollers 63, 64 enable the mortar spreader 69 to remain properly aligned relative to the underlying brick wall.

Piston 102 is telescoped relative to cylinder 99 by controlling the hydraulic pressure effected at base thereof. As the piston telescopes from the cylinder, the member is elevated carrying therewith sprockets 94. This action causes the cantilever arm to be raised with a mechanical advantage of 2/1. Member 88 is carried along with member 96, with rollers 91 maintaining the inverted U-shaped member 88 and 96 telescopingly captured within the spaced upright hollow support beams 34. The spaced rollers which are captured within the inverted U-shaped member maintain the ele vator in horizontal alignment respective to the main framework, while the hydraulic cylinder supports the entire load of the elevator.

It is considered within the comprehension of this invention to use electric motors in lieu of the hydraulically actuated motors, and to substitute rubber or rubber-like tires for the iron wheels 18. Moreover, it is contemplated to use a triple expansion piston/cylinder arrangement in lieu of the double expansion piston/cylinder arrangement disclosed in FIG. 2.

The configuration of the automatic scaffolding of the present invention enables the entire main framework to be enclosed, butane fueled infra-red heaters to be installed, and an internal combustion engine used in lieu of the electric motor 26 where deemed desirable. The present invention takes advantage of modern technology and requires a Mason and one helper for optimum performance of the invention. It is possible, however, for the Mason to carry out the entire operation unassisted because of the speed and ease with which the apparatus can be manipulted from a control panel located in close proximity of the platform.

I claim:

1. Automatic scaffolding for laying brick comprising a ground supported main framework having spaced vertical support mans; means by which said scaffolding can be moved longitudinally of a wall being built of the brick; elevator means supported for vertical movement within said main framework for transporting brick placed thereon; means for moving said elevator means in a vertical direction;

carrier means slidably affixed to said vertical support means and supported for vertical movement thereon;

a longitudinally extending support beam attached to said carrier means; means releasably affixing said carrier means to said vertical support means in captured relationship therewith; means by which said elevator means can move independently of said carrier means and to a position above and to a position below said carrier means; means by which said carrier means can be selectively engaged and moved by said elevator means;

a work platform located externally of said main framework; spaced arms affixed to said longitudinally extending support beam and to said work platform for supporting said platform from said carrier means;

so that said work platform can be vertically adjusted by engaging said carrier means with said elevator means, releasing said carrier means from said vertical support means, moving said elevator which moves said carrier means which moves said platform, and thereafter affixing said carrier means to said vertical support means and disengaging said carrier means from said elevator means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, and further including a conveyor means for conveying bricks from within said main framework into overhanging relationship respective to said work platform; said conveyor means being supported by and arranged normally to said longitudinally extending support beam; means mounting said conveyor for lateral movement respective to said support beam.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including a mortar spreader means for conveying and supplying mortar to a wall located adjacent to said work platform, a hopper means located within said framework for containing a supply of mortar therein, means by which said mortar spreader means is mounted for movement to said longitudinally extending support beam so that the spreader can be moved laterally and parallel relative to said platform so that mortar can be transported from within said main framework onto the top of a brick wall.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including a conveyor means for conveying bricks from within said main framework into overhanging relationship respec tive to said work platform; said conveyor being supported by and arranged normally to said longitudinally extending support beam; means mounting said conveyor for lateral movement respective to said support beam;

a mortar spreader means for conveying and supplying mortar to a wall located adjacent to said work platform, a hopper means located within said framework for containing a supply of mortar therein, means by which said mortar spreader means is mounted for movement to said longitudinally extending support beam so that the spreader can be moved laterally and parallel relative to said platform so that mortar can be transported from within said main framework onto the top of a brick wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein there is further included a plumb line means extending parallel to said work platform; means connected to said carrier means for guiding said plumb line means, means for connection to a wall being constructed for maintaining said plumb line at a selected vertical height relative to a wall being built. I

6. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including a conveyor means said conveyor means includes spaced sprockets, a rail between said sprockets, rollers journaled in supporting relationship to said carrier means, said rail being captured for movement by said rollers, chain means connected to said sprockets; means for rotating said sprockets;

switch means connected to de-energize said means for rotating said sprockets, said switch means having an actuating arm extending into close proximity to an end portion of said conveyor means so that a brick placed upon said conveyor means will be moved into contact with said actuating arm to thereby move said switch means to a de-energized position.

7. Automatic traveling brick laying apparatus comprising a ground supported main framework having spaced vertical support means; a carrier means captured in slidable relationship to said vertical support means; a longitudinally extending support beam attached to said carrier means; spaced arms affixed to said longitudinally extending support beam, a work platform located externally of said main framework, said platform being affixed to said carrier means by said spaced arms;

an elevator means supported for vertical movement within said main framework for supporting and transporting brick placed thereon; means for moving said elevator means in a vertical direction independently of said platform; said elevator means being movable from a position underlying to a position overlying said carrier means;

means by which said carrier means is releasably affixed to and movable with said vertical support means;

means by which said elevator means can engage said carrier means for vertically positioning said work platform along its limits of travel;

a conveyor means for conveying brick from within said main framework into aligned relationship respective to said work platform; said conveyor being supported by and arranged normally to said longitudinally extending support beam; and means mounting said conveyor for lateral movement respective to said support beam, whereby, said carrier can be released from said spaced vertical support means and moved by being engaged with said elevator means so that a workman standing on the work platform can conveniently build a brick wall extending parallel to the path traveled by said brick laying apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 and further including a mortar spreader means for conveying and supplying mortar to a wall located adjacent to said work platform, a hopper means located within said framework for containing a supply of mortar therein, means by which said mortar spreader means is mounted for movement to said longitudinally extending support beam so that the spreader can be moved laterally and parallel relative to said platform so that mortar can be transported from within said main framework onto the top of a brick wall.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 and further including a plumb line means extending parallel to said work platform; means connected to said carrier means for guiding said plumb line means, means for connection to a wall being constructed for maintaining said plumb line at a selected vertical height relative to a wall being built. 

1. Automatic scaffolding for laying brick comprising a ground supported main framework having spaced vertical support mans; means by which said scaffolding can be moved longitudinally of a wall being built of the brick; elevator means supported for vertical movement within said main framework for transporting brick placed thereon; means for moving said elevator means in a vertical direction; carrier means slidably affixed to said vertical support means and supported for vertical movement thereon; a longitudinally extending support beam attached to said carrier means; means releasably affixing said carrier means to said vertical support means in captured relationship therewith; means by which said elevator means can move independently of said carrier means and to a position above and to a position below said carrier means; means by which said carrier means can be selectively engaged and moved by said elevator means; a work platform located externally of said main framework; spaced arms affixed to said longitudinally extending support beam and to said work platform for supporting said platform from said carrier means; so that said work platform can be vertically adjusted by engaging said carrier means with said elevator means, releasing said carrier means from said vertical support means, moving said elevator which moves said carrier means which moves said platform, and thereafter affixing said carrier means to said vertical support means and disengaging said carrier means from said elevator means.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, and further including a conveyor means for conveying bricks from within said main framework into overhanging relationship respective to said work platform; said conveyor means being supported by and arranged normally to said longitudinally extending support beam; means mounting said conveyor for lateral movement respective to said support beam.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including a mortar spreader means for conveying and supplying mortar to a wall located adjacent to said work platform, a hopper means located within said framework for containing a supply of mortar therein, means by which said mortar spreader means is mounted for movement to said longitudinally extending support beam so that the spreader can be moved laterally and parallel relative to said platform so that mortar can be transported from within said main framework onto the top of a brick wall.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including a conveyor means for conveying bricks from within said main framework into overhanging relationship respective to said work platform; said conveyor being supported by and arranGed normally to said longitudinally extending support beam; means mounting said conveyor for lateral movement respective to said support beam; a mortar spreader means for conveying and supplying mortar to a wall located adjacent to said work platform, a hopper means located within said framework for containing a supply of mortar therein, means by which said mortar spreader means is mounted for movement to said longitudinally extending support beam so that the spreader can be moved laterally and parallel relative to said platform so that mortar can be transported from within said main framework onto the top of a brick wall.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein there is further included a plumb line means extending parallel to said work platform; means connected to said carrier means for guiding said plumb line means, means for connection to a wall being constructed for maintaining said plumb line at a selected vertical height relative to a wall being built.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including a conveyor means said conveyor means includes spaced sprockets, a rail between said sprockets, rollers journaled in supporting relationship to said carrier means, said rail being captured for movement by said rollers, chain means connected to said sprockets; means for rotating said sprockets; switch means connected to de-energize said means for rotating said sprockets, said switch means having an actuating arm extending into close proximity to an end portion of said conveyor means so that a brick placed upon said conveyor means will be moved into contact with said actuating arm to thereby move said switch means to a de-energized position.
 7. Automatic traveling brick laying apparatus comprising a ground supported main framework having spaced vertical support means; a carrier means captured in slidable relationship to said vertical support means; a longitudinally extending support beam attached to said carrier means; spaced arms affixed to said longitudinally extending support beam, a work platform located externally of said main framework, said platform being affixed to said carrier means by said spaced arms; an elevator means supported for vertical movement within said main framework for supporting and transporting brick placed thereon; means for moving said elevator means in a vertical direction independently of said platform; said elevator means being movable from a position underlying to a position overlying said carrier means; means by which said carrier means is releasably affixed to and movable with said vertical support means; means by which said elevator means can engage said carrier means for vertically positioning said work platform along its limits of travel; a conveyor means for conveying brick from within said main framework into aligned relationship respective to said work platform; said conveyor being supported by and arranged normally to said longitudinally extending support beam; and means mounting said conveyor for lateral movement respective to said support beam, whereby, said carrier can be released from said spaced vertical support means and moved by being engaged with said elevator means so that a workman standing on the work platform can conveniently build a brick wall extending parallel to the path traveled by said brick laying apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 and further including a mortar spreader means for conveying and supplying mortar to a wall located adjacent to said work platform, a hopper means located within said framework for containing a supply of mortar therein, means by which said mortar spreader means is mounted for movement to said longitudinally extending support beam so that the spreader can be moved laterally and parallel relative to said platform so that mortar can be transported from within said main framework onto the top of a brick wall.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 and further including a plumb line means extending parallel to said work platform; means connected to said Carrier means for guiding said plumb line means, means for connection to a wall being constructed for maintaining said plumb line at a selected vertical height relative to a wall being built. 